John Lopez, Tech Times 16 May 2023, 02:05 pm

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming the tech sector landscape, but its use in elections has now raised important questions.

On Tuesday, May 16, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before the Senate panel, urging the need for regulations on the use of AI in elections, Reuters reports.

Altman expressed his concerns about the potential for AI to interfere with the election's integrity and called for the development of rules and guidelines on what companies should disclose when providing an AI model.

He also suggested that the US consider licensing and testing requirements for developing AI models and proposed that a model capable of persuading or manipulating a person's beliefs should be a "great threshold" for licensing.

The Dilemmas Raised by Artificial Intelligence

The rise of AI has opened up new avenues for innovation, but it has also created new ethical dilemmas.

Bias is one growing concern, as algorithmic bias has been found to shape the bot's racial and gender stereotypes (leading studies to find ways to reduce them).

Additionally, cybercriminals have already started using AI to develop increasingly sophisticated scams and more advanced threats, adding to the challenges netizens and policymakers face.

AI's Role in the Upcoming US Election

Experts warn that AI will play a central role in the 2024 US election, with both parties taking advantage of the technology to redefine campaigns and influence voters.

While AI can be a powerful tool for campaigns to more efficiently identify donors and voters, its use in generating deepfake messages, scams, and flooding voters with disinformation could have serious consequences.

What Needs to be Done

Since the growing use of AI brings concerns regarding its potential misuse, there is a need for clear regulations to ensure its ethical and accountable usage.

Despite this, Goodwin Law tells us that the United States currently lacks substantial federal regulation governing the use of AI, and there is no significant state legislation in force. Nonetheless, the US government has already taken notice, as it recently met with AI leaders.

Additionally, the need for regulation has been brought to the forefront by experts in the field, such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Altman emphasizes the importance of clear rules and regulations to ensure AI usage's transparency, ethics, and accountability, as well as its AI training control.

Reuters tells us that one potential solution recently proposed by an OpenAI staffer is creating a US licensing agency for AI, which would be called the Office for AI Safety and Infrastructure Security (OASIS). Altman also calls for global cooperation on AI and incentives for safety compliance.

Altman's recent testimony before the Senate panel further highlights the need for immediate action to regulate AI in elections before it is too late.

As the use of AI continues to expand, it is vital to establish clear guidelines that ensure its ethical and responsible usage, protecting both individuals and society as a whole.

Do you agree with Altman's suggestions? Let us know.

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